Value Cost Ratio Research Articles

Strategic integration of national grid or solar photovoltaic power with the on-site hydrogen vehicle refueling station at the hydrogen energy laboratory, BCSIR, Bangladesh

The country's first on-site hydrogen refueling station (HRS) is installed at the Hydrogen Energy Laboratory, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), and its performance is studied to penetrate and prepare the hydrogen refueling network for the future. The study fills the power conditioning and integration information gap to HRS and refueling performances of on-site HRS in the particular conditions of the country. Strategic integration of grid power to the HRS is materialized and its adaptation with on-site HRS. Low-cost frequency & voltage conversion (conversion of 50 Hz, 420 V, or 220 V to stable 60 Hz, 220 V, or 110 V) and its stabilization are successfully made. An initial pressure of 5 MPa and 10 MPa of the vehicle tank (two-time refueling conditions) at 25 °C fills with the hydrogen at the APRR of 5.07 & 6.39 by 5.91& 7.5 min accordingly whereas the target pressure is 35 MPa. Hydrogen transfer to the vehicle tank at the pressure established by SAE J2799 according to the APRR during refueling time. The system consumes 52.71 kW and 3.73 kW of power to produce and compress 1 kg of hydrogen. The temperature profile shows that at the maximum hydrogen flow rate of 20 g/s, the temperature rose to 56 °C maintaining the fueling protocol. The levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOHP) of on-site hydrogen production is $6.68 and the LCOHS&D of storage & dispensing of hydrogen is $1.07 using the grid electricity whereas it gets down to $3.74 and $0.76 for the case of solar PV. Hydrogen vehicles reduce 43% fuel cost (using grid power) as compared to diesel engines. The study also depicts that a solar-powered hydrogen fleet is a better option for replacing fossil fuels and in shaping a sustainable transport system. The economic analyses provide the net present value (NPV20) and benefit and cost ratio (BCR) of the on-site HRS are 0.09 million and 1.18 at the discount rate of 9.5% which corresponds to the investment to the on-site HRS is feasible and free of risk.

Effects of the integrated use of organic and inorganic phosphorus sources in micro-doses on the yield and profitability of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Cultivation

An experiment was conducted in the field to evaluate the effect of phosphorus fertilization in microdose using organic and mineral fertilizers on the yield and profitability of cowpea cultivation. To achieve this, a balanced application of NPK and granular compost was provided to supply the same amount of phosphorus to the cowpea. Three treatments were compared in a split-plot design with three replications, where the treatments were in large plots and the cowpea varieties, numbering four (4), were in small plots. The three treatments are as follows: (i) T0 control treatment without fertilizer application, (ii) T1 application of two grams of NPK per hole, and (iii) T2 application of 9.375 grams of granular compost per hole. The results show a significant difference in yield parameters between treatments (pod yield, grain yield, and straw yield). The mean comparison test revealed that the control treatment and NPK are quite similar for these parameters. Thus, with compost, an increase of 69.17% in grain yield, 55.47% in pod yield, and 41.67% in straw yield was noted compared to the control. The VCR (value-cost ratio) and gross income were significantly improved by compost. The application of organic or mineral fertilizers for cowpea cultivation is profitable due to relatively high VCRs: 3.34 for NPK and 6.79 for compost. Therefore, the use of compost for cowpea cultivation proves to be economically more profitable, as it yields higher returns.

Enhancing crop productivity and its economic farm profitabilty of smallholder farmer through the use of green manures from Alnus acuminata

Decline in soil fertility is a major threat to land productivity and food security in the East African highlands. This calls for the application of nutrient inputs to improve crop productivity. A study was conducted in Nyabihu District of Rwanda from 2013 to 2016 to assess the effect of Alnus acuminata green manure (AGM)─applied in situ, through biomass alone, or combined with inorganic fertilizer─on the productivity and profitability of maize (Zea mays), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), and potato (Solanum tuberosum). The treatments included application of AGM, inorganic fertilizer, combination of AGM and inorganic fertilizer, and unfertilized plot as a control (except for potato). These treatments were compared in two seasons and on two local soil fertility levels (medium and high) as defined by the farmer’s knowledge and experience. There was a convergence between farmers’ criteria and soil analysis in the soil fertility evaluation. Crops yields were analyzed using a linear mixed model while for other parameters, descriptive statistics were applied. The combination of AGM and inorganic fertilizer recorded the highest increment in maize (44%) and bean (46%) yields compared with inorganic fertilizer while it increased up to 87% compared with the unfertilized control. The financial analysis showed that AGM + inorganic fertilizer recorded the highest value-to-cost ratio (VCR) of 24.6 for potato and a significantly lower VCR (2.9) for maize and beans. The high VCR highlights a significant potential contribution of AGM + inorganic fertilizer to increase incomes of resource-constrained potato farmers in the Rwandan highlands. However, low crop prices possibly make this practice less attractive for those cultivating maize and beans.

Impacts of poultry manure and biochar amendments on the nutrients in sweet potato leaves and the minerals in the storage roots

Poultry manure (PM) has demonstrated its potential to enhance crop nutritional quality. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of knowledge regarding its synergistic effects when combined with wood biochar (B) on the nutrient concentrations in sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea batatas L.) and the mineral content stored in sweet potato storage roots. Hence, a two-year field trial was undertaken during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons in southwestern Nigeria, spanning two locations (Owo—site A and Obasooto—site B), to jointly apply poultry manure and wood biochar as soil amendments aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of sweet potato crop. Each year, the experiment involved different combinations of poultry manure at rates of 0, 5.0, and 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at rates of 0, 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 t ha−1, organized in a 3 × 4 factorial layout. The results of the present study demonstrated that the individual application of poultry manure (PM), biochar (B), or their combination had a significant positive impact on the nutrient composition of sweet potato leaves and minerals stored in the sweet potato storage roots, with notable synergistic effects between poultry manure and biochar (PM × B) in enhancing these parameters. This highlights the potential of biochar to enhance the efficiency of poultry manure utilization and improve nutrient utilization from poultry manure. The highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 (PM10 + B30), resulted in the highest leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition compared to other treatments at both sites. Averaged over two years, the highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 (PM10 + B30) significantly increased sweet potato leaf nutrient concentrations: nitrogen by 88.2%, phosphorus by 416.7%, potassium by 123.8%, calcium by 927.3%, and magnesium by 333.3%, compared to those in the control (PM0 + B0). The same treatment increased the concentration of sweet potato root storage minerals: phosphorus by 152.5%, potassium by 77.4%, calcium by 205.5%, magnesium by 294.6%, iron by 268.4%, zinc by 228.6%, and sodium by 433.3%, compared to the control. The highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 yielded the highest economic profitability in terms of gross margin (44,034 US$ ha−1), net return (30,038 US$ ha−1) and return rate or value-to-cost ratio (VCR) (263). The results suggested that the application of poultry manure at 10 t ha−1 and biochar at 30 t ha−1 is economically profitable in the study areas and under similar agroecological zones and soil conditions.

A new phosphorus fertilizer blend enhances grain legume yield and profitability in northern part of Ghana

Low concentrations of phosphorus limit grain legumes’ yield in the northern part of Ghana. Smallholder farmers could benefit from P-fertilizer blends to improve yield. This study evaluated the responses of soybean, cowpea and groundnut to P-fertilizer blends and their profitability in researcher-managed and farmer-managed trials in Northern, Upper West, and Upper East regions. The experiment was set up in a cross-factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments were two types of P-fertilizer blends (triple superphosphate and new yaraLegume applied at 30 kg P ha−1), a control and three varieties each of soybean (TGX 1835-10E, TGX 1789-8E and TGX 1834-5E), cowpea (Padituya, Wang-Kae and Kirkhouse), and groundnut (Samnut 23, Samnut 22 and Yenyawwaso). P-fertilizer blends increased grain yield of grain legumes in researcher-managed trials. In the researcher-managed trials, P-fertilizer blends doubled the nodulation of soybean varieties but did not influence the nodulation of cowpea and groundnut. P-fertilizer blends increased P-agronomic efficiency over control; however, the different P-fertilizer blends had similar P-use efficiencies. In farmer-managed trials, only the yield of groundnuts varied with the different P-fertilizer blends in the Upper West region, suggesting that P utilization may be location-specific for groundnuts. P-fertilizer blends increased the grain yield of soybean and cowpea varieties in the Northern and Upper West regions but not the Upper East region. The interaction between soybean and cowpea varieties and P-fertilizer blends was not significant. P-fertilizer blends recorded a higher value cost ratios (VCRs) that can offset uncertainties in price fluctuations. The high VCRs indicated that P-fertilizer blends were profitable and could be used to improve the livelihoods of smallholder grain legume farmers. The study demonstrated that grain legumes responded to P-fertilizer blends and are profitable. However, the non-responsive nature of the Upper East soils needs to be investigated to make P-fertilizer blends profitable in the region.

MODEL ALOKASI SUBSIDI DANA APBD DAN CSR UNTUK OPTIMASI PENGADAAN MESIN KOMODITAS LELANG: STUDY KASUS

Procurement of machinery is a facilitation to overcome auction problems in accordance with the strategic plan of the Dinas TPHPKP to maintain and improve the quality or quality of commodities so as to increase the selling value. To carry out this facilitation with limited funds, other sources of subsidized funds are needed, the government needs tools to determine the nominal funding decision, the decision to place the machine, and the feasibility study of the model. Based on surveys, interviews, and previous research, the research data was processed using goal programming with Excel and ILOG CPLEX. This study chooses scenario three as the optimal scenario because the nominal subsidy of funds is smaller than scenarios one and two, but results in machine option decisions on each quality improvement function with a positive benefit deviation value of Rp. 20,014,000. This study succeeded in formulating a fund allocation model, determining five locations for placing machines and stating the feasibility of a fund allocation model with a Benefit Cost Ratio value of 1.49. Future research is expected to be able to consider the cost of energy consumption in the next use of the machine, consider the form of village assets as a candidate for placing the machine, and calculate other feasibility study parameters.

Can crop insurance help optimize farmers’ decisions on pesticides use? Evidence from family farms in East China

Pesticides are important agricultural inputs, which can effectively reduce crop growth risk, but irrational use of pesticides also brings major challenges to the green development of agriculture. This paper constructs a theoretical framework of the effect of crop insurance on pesticides usage. Then using family farm survey data in East China, we measure the marginal value cost ratio (MVCR) of pesticides use through the improved damage abatement production function (DAPF), and empirically analyze the impact of crop insurance on MVCR of pesticides use by employing the endogenous treatment effect model (ETEM). The results show that 42.6% of family farms in the sample area purchased crop insurance, and almost all family farms overused pesticides, but the degree was relatively lower among the family farms with crop insurance. Crop insurance has a significantly positive effect on the MVCR of pesticides use, which indicates that it can optimize farmers’ pesticides use behavior. This conclusion is also confirmed by several robustness checks. Thus, the promotion of agricultural insurance can play the role of promoting the green development of agriculture to a certain extent.

Fertilizer use efficiency and economic viability in maize production in the Savannah and transitional zones of Ghana

Increasing fertilizer use is highly justified for sustainable agricultural intensification if yield response, fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), and economic viability of fertilizer application are high. Despite the increasing fertilizer application rates in Ghana, yields only marginally increased. Also, the recent fertilizer price hikes post COVID-19 revived concern for economic analysis of fertilizers. This study analyzed the FUE and economic viability of fertilizer use in maize production in Guinea/Sudan Savannah and Transitional/Deciduous zones of Ghana. Survey data from 2,673 farmers in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 production seasons were used. The average agronomic efficiency (AE), partial factor productivity (PFP), and value-cost ratio (VCR) of fertilizer use were 2.2 kg of grains per kilogram of fertilizer, 18.3 kg grains per kilogram of fertilizer, and 1.8 Ghana cedis of marginal yield per Ghana cedi spent on fertilizer, respectively. Fertilizer use was economically viable for only 28.1% of farmers with a VCR of 2 or higher, while 52.5% reached the break-even point with a VCR of at least 1. Various fertilizer formulations, including NPK plus sulfur, and adoption of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices, particularly improved seeds, organic fertilizers, and minimum tillage, improved maize yield response to fertilizer and thus the FUE. These low efficiency and economic viability of fertilizer use are prevailing conditions in other sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries and these do not guarantee sustainable food security and improved livelihood of the farmers in the region. Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), together with relevant stakeholders, should provide guidance on ISFM and intensify farmer education through farmer associations to increase the adoption of ISFM. The local government should work with other relevant stakeholders to improve the market conditions within the agriculture sector, for instance, by linking farmers to city markets for favorable output prices.

Introducing Gliricidia sepium as a Fuel Wood in Rubber Smallholdings of Sri Lanka: A Case Study in Kalutara District


 A pilot project has been initiated to introduce Gliricidia sepium with Hevea brasiliensis under three different spatial arrangements ((i.)8'×27', (ii.)8'×40, and (iii.)88'×60’) as a fuel wood to improve the income status of rubber smallholders in Kalutara District by Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka in 2018. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey and field observations. The financial analysis was done for one hectare of smallholding. Certain assumptions were made in the financial feasibility analysis as financial analysis was done for 30 years giving consideration to the 30 year life span of rubber. Costs and benefits were discounted at 10% discount rate as practiced by the Department of National Planning to obtain 2019 market prices. The farm gate prices of 1kg of rubber and Gliricidia were considered as LKR 280.00 and LKR 4.00. The cost for hired labour was considered LKR 1,500.00 per day. Period of intercropping of Gliricida under rubber in the 88'×40' and 88'×60' models was considered as 30 years and in the 88'×27' model, it was considered as eight years. Financial feasibility of models was tested using the indices of Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR). A qualitative SWOT was conducted to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relevant to introduction of Gliricidia as an intercrop in rubber plantations based on a thorough documentation review and on the opinions of Rubber Extension Officers. From the three models introduced, the highest fuel wood value can be obtained by intercropping Gliricidia with rubber under the spacing of 88'×60'. NPV for growing gliricidia with rubber under three different spatial arrangements, (i.)88'×27', (ii.)88'×40' and (iii.)88'×60' would be LKR 0.74 million, LKR 5.47 million and LKR 5.89 million respectively. The values obtain for BCR for growing gliricidia with rubber under three different spatial arrangements, (i.)88'×27', (ii.)88'×40' and (iii.)88'×60' would be 1.37, 2.26 and 2.27, respectively. All fuel wood growing models indicated positive NPV and BC Ratios were greater than one, suggesting that these introduced models are economically viable. Although there are no established market channels available for fuel wood especially in the smallholder rubber sector of Sri Lanka, there is a demand for Gliricidia which is fulfilled through adhoc markets. Also, development of sustainable supply chains through setting up of Pilot Biomass Energy Terminals with the objective of collection and distribution of fuel wood under the Project of Promoting Sustainable Biomass Energy Production and Modern Bio-Energy Technologies has widened the opportunity of using Gliricidia as a promising fuel wood species Gliricidia with rubber has the potential to improve income generation of rubber smallholders substantially especially during the immature stage of rubber and provide a solution to overcome uncertainty in rubber prices and low productivity of rubber lands.
 
 Keywords: Fuel wood growing models, Rubber farming

Economic assessment of nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk and enhance co-benefits

Flooding is expected to increase due to climate change, urbanisation, and land use change. To address this issue, Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are often adopted as innovative and sustainable flood risk management methods. Besides the flood risk reduction benefits, NBSs offer co-benefits for the environment and society. However, these co-benefits are rarely considered in flood risk management due to the inherent complexities of incorporating them into economic assessments. This research addresses this gap by developing a comprehensive methodology that integrates the monetary analysis of co-benefits with flood risk reduction in economic assessments. In doing so, it aspires to provide a more holistic view of the impact of NBS in flood risk management. The assessment employs a framework based on life-cycle cost-benefit analysis, offering a systematic and transparent assessment of both costs and benefits over time supported by key indicators like net present value and benefit cost ratio. The methodology has been applied to the Tamnava basin in Serbia, where significant flooding occurred in 2014 and 2020. The methodology offers valuable insights for practitioners, researchers, and planners seeking to assess the co-benefits of NBS and integrate them into economic assessments. The results show that when considering flood risk reduction alone, all considered measures have higher costs than the benefits derived from avoiding flood damage. However, when incorporating co-benefits, several NBS have a net positive economic impact, including afforestation/reforestation and retention ponds with cost-benefit ratios of 3.5 and 5.6 respectively. This suggests that incorporating co-benefits into economic assessments can significantly increase the overall economic efficiency and viability of NBS.

Analisis Kelayakan Usaha Penangkaran Benih Padi di Desa Gunung Mulia, Kecamatan Babulu, Kabupaten Penajam Paser Utara

Seed breeding is an effort to produce superior seeds as source seeds which will later be used for planting. This research was conducted with the aim of finding out the feasibility of the rice seed breeding business in Gunung Mulia Village. This research was carried out in Gunung Mulia Village from June 2023 to August 2023 with a sample size of 8 people. The research was carried out by calculating production costs, revenues and business income so that later the Revenue Cost Ratio value could be obtained. Production costs are divided into two, namely fixed costs and variable costs. The results of the research show that the average production cost in the rice seed breeding business in Gunung Mulia Village is Rp. 12,283,625 mt-1 consisting of fixed costs of Rp. 1,778,313 mt-1 and variable costs Rp. 10,505,313 mt-1, average revenue Rp. 27,045,000 mt-1 resulting in income of Rp. 14,761,375 mt-1 and an average R/C value of 2.18. R/C value for the rice seed breeding business in Gunung Mulia Village is 2,18 which means that for every rupiah of production costs spent, revenue will be 2,18 which means the rice seed breeding business is feasible to do and develop.Keywords: breeding of rice seeds, feasibility analysis, income

Profits Analysis of the Sheep Breeding Business in Bulu Cina Village, Indonesia

Aims: Analyze the profits of sheep breeders in Bulu Cina Village, Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia.
 Study Design: Descriptive quantitative.
 Place and Duration of Study: From September to November 2023, Bulu Cina Village will be situated in Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia.
 Methodology: This type of research is descriptive, researchers who describe the variable conditions obtained by sheep farming business actors. The material that were used in this research is related to the overall data and field studies obtained, namely in the form of production costs and income from sheep farming businesses so that the income of sheep farming business breeders can be calculated and obtained.
 Results: Sheep farming in the research area is profitable for sheep farmers as it yields an average net income of IDR 29.519.791 per 6 month. The breeders of beef sheep receive an average net income of IDR 2.459.983 per month. This type of activity is a feasible business option with an Revenue Cost Ratio value of 4,27.
 Conclusion: To increase income from sheep farming businesses, it is essential to use production factors efficiently.

A cost benefit analysis of blue swimming crab gillnet fishery in Pangkajene Island, South Sulawesi

Blue swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus) are an important capture of the gillnet fisheries practiced around Pangkajene waters. The fisheries have been monitored by the Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Association (APRI) by deploying enumerators who collect some data on the volume and size of crabs captured by fishermen. Information on the economic aspect of the fisheries, i.e., the business feasibility, has not been studied. The method in this study is observation and interviews. Based on monitoring data for 5 fishing units, the financial performance of the crab fisheries was evaluated. The fishing units were selected on the basis of records on eligible crabs. The available data collected from June 25th to July 5th, 2022, were processed and analyzed for calculations of business profit/loss analysis, benefit-cost ratio (B/C), break even point (BEP), and payback period (PP). The results showed that the blue swimming crab-catching business using net fishing gear is, on average feasible and profitable fishing gear with a Benefit Cost Ratio value of 1.36. Based on the calculation of the pay pack, the average period is 1, which means that fishermen only need one year to return the total capital. It is concluded that the crab fishing business is generally feasible financially.

Wood Vinegar Promotes Soil Health and the Productivity of Cowpea

Wood vinegar (WV) is a biostimulant and a biopesticide that contains pyroligneous acid and is used as a crop growth enhancer and biocontrol agent, but insufficient information exists on WV’s effects on soil quality and cowpea production in Ghana. A field study (2 years) was conducted to determine the appropriate method of applying WV for soil health and cowpea production, and to determine the economic benefits of WV. Assessments were on nodulation, shoot biomass, yield, value–cost ratio, soil enzymes, soil respiration, microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), permanganate-oxidizable carbon (POXC), mineralizable C, soil pH, available nitrogen and phosphorus. Results revealed soil drenching and foliar application are efficient methods of applying WV to achieve greater shoot dry matter, nodulation and grain yield of cowpea. Economically, soil drenching, followed by foliar application, generated better economic returns than the control. Adding WV to cowpea using soil drenching and foliar application improved soil health indicators. Soil enzymes and MBN were enhanced by WV applied foliarly and through soil drenching. Soil drenching with WV produced greater POXC and mineralizable C compared to the other treatments. Conclusively, WV applied foliarly and through soil drenching improved soil health, nodulation and yields of cowpea, and enhanced profitability.

The economic performance of mango integrated pest management practices at different scales of production.

Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are being promoted to suppress tephritid fruit fly infestation and reduce economic damage in mango production. However, research on their economic performance across different mango production scales (measured by the number of mango trees) is limited. This study estimated the economic benefits of IPM practices (parasitoids, orchard sanitation, food bait, biopesticides, male annihilation technique, and their combinations) in Kenya's small-, medium-, and large-scale mango production systems. We used the value-cost ratio (VCR) and net present value methods to estimate the heterogeneous economic performance of IPM practices using data from two unique farm surveys. On average, all IPM practices were profitable across various production scales. However, we found that these practices were more profitable for medium-scale farmers than for small- and large-scale farmers. The results show that farmers need a minimum of 9-17 trees, depending on the practice used, to break even and that there are little to no economic benefits to using IPM practices for farmers with more than 320 mango trees. The male annihilation technique was the most profitable practice, with a VCR of 36, and consequentially, the most adopted practice across all scales of production. Overall, we found significant heterogeneity in the profitability of IPM practices across different scales of production. The reason for the lack of profitability of IPM on large-scale farms remains unclear and warrants further investigation.

Evaluation of Different Approaches of Fertilizer Recommendation Using Soluble and Conventional Fertilizers on Cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var. capitata) Yield, Nutrient Requirement and Economics

A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka to study the influence of different approaches of fertilizer application using soluble and conventional fertilizers on yield, nutrient requirement and economics of cabbage under drip fertigation. The results revealed that significant higher marketable cabbage yield of 62.55 t ha-1 was recorded in LMH approach followed by STCR inorganic approach (62.03 t ha-1) using soluble fertilizers and STCR integrated plant nutrition approach (61.31 t ha-1) using soluble fertilizers. Similarly higher nutrient uptake (N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1) was recorded in LMH approach followed by STCR inorganic approach using soluble fertilizers and STCR integrated plant nutrition approach using soluble fertilizers. However, nutrient requirement (NR) of N, P2O5 and K2O was highest in absolute control followed by LMH approach. Value cost ratio (VCR) worked out was found to be higher (13.37) in STCR inorganic approach using conventional fertilizers followed by STCR integrated approach using conventional fertilizers.

Analisis Kelayakan Investasi Pemasangan Sensor Level Pada Clearator Tank PDAM Surya Sembada Surabaya

The occurrence of problems in the production process is something that must be resolved immediately so it to disrupt the smooth protracted production process, as is the case with process disturbances that occur in the clean water production process at PDAM Surya Sembada Surabaya. In the process of water flow being processed from the filter tank to the clearator tank, water overflow often occurs due to a sudden increase in water discharge without monitoring. As a result of this overflow of water, production materials are wasted and of course also results in wasted costs. This problem was tried to be solved by installing a level sensor on the tank clearator so that the water level could be monitored by the monitoring team. Warning when the water level approaches the threshold will help the operator to immediately reduce the water discharge coming out of the tank filter so that there is no wasted overflow of water. Feasibility analysis of investing in the installation of level sensors carried out to find out for sure whether from an economic point of view this level sensor provides benefits for the company. By calculating the Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), it will be known how the investment feasibility of installing the level sensor.

Efisiensi Pemasaran Beras dengan Pendekatan Structure Conduct Performance

Banyuasin is a regency with the largest rice field area in South Sumatra. Yet, there are several problems in marketing rice, namely the low price received by farmers, price fluctuations, and lack of market information. This research aimed to analyze the efficiency of rice marketing in Banyuasin Regency. Sampling method in this research used snowball sampling. Data analysis of rice marketing efficiency used the structure, conduct, and Performance (SCP) approach. The results of the analysis showed that there were five marketing channels for rice in Banyuasin Regency. The market structure formed was an oligopsony market structure. Market performance is evaluated by calculating margins, farmer's share, and the ratio of profits and marketing costs where each channel has a different value. The most efficient marketing channel is marketing channel two which has a lowest marketing margin of Rp. 2.500 with a fairly high farmer's share value of 75 percent, and the highest profit and cost ratio value is 1,26. Rice farmers were expected to be able to take advantage of farmer groups in marketing their products. This can help farmers market their products more efficiently. In marketing rice, farmers are also suggested to process their products into rice. Therefore, the profits received by farmers can increase.

Competitiveness and Policy of Soybean Farming in Jeneponto Regency

The demand for local soybean commodities is very low compared to imported soybeans, which affects the decline in soybean planting area, and farmers are also less willing to farm soybeans because they are less profitable. Government policies related to soybean self-sufficiency are widely carried out, but imported soybean commodities still have stronger competitiveness. This study aims to analyze the competitiveness and government policies on soybean farming in Tamalatea District, Jeneponto Regency. This study used a survey method. Data collection techniques are observation and interviews. The sampling technique using purposive sampling is to choose soybean farmers who are more productive in their farming, so that the number of samples obtained is 48 farmers. The data analysis technique is quantitative descriptive analysis with the Policy Matrix Analysis method. The results of this study indicate that soybean farming has strong competitiveness, because it has a Private Cost Ratio value of 0.2077 and a Domestic Resource Cost Ratio of 0.1628, with a private profit of Rp 5,752,342.42 per hectare and social profit of Rp 7,682,461.16 per hectare. The input policy on soybean farming resulted in values including: input transfer (IT) of -184,240.32, transfer factor (TF) of Rp 14,365.87, and nominal protection coeficient input (NPCI) of 0.61104. Meanwhile, the output policy resulted in an output transfer (OT) value of Rp -2,099,993.19 and a nominal protection coefficient input (NPCO) of 0.7824. Input-output policies have values including: effectivity policy coeficient (EPC) of 0.7912, subsidy ratio for producer (SRP) of -0.20001, profitability coeficient (PC) of 0.7488, and net transfer (NT) of -1,930,118.73. Government policies that are protective of tradable inputs have a positive impact on soybean farming, so farmers pay lower prices than they should. Government protection policies against tradable output have not been effective, so soybean farmers get output prices that are lower than the price they should. Government policy on tradable inputs simultaneously has not been effective in protecting soybean farming, so it has not been able to provide incentives for increased production.

Partial substitution of exogenously applied phosphatic fertilizers by phosphate solubilizing bacteria in maize under calcareous soil

Phosphorus (P) availability is the major constrain in obtaining optimum crop yield in calcareous soils due to its precipitation as dicalcium and octacalcium phosphate by reacting with Ca+2and Mg+2. Therefore, we explored the role of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (without and with PSB @ 2 kg ha−1) in optimizing maize yield and P availability from soluble and insoluble P sources applied @ of 100 kg P2O5into calcareous soil. PSB inoculation significantly improved maize plant height (5.6%), 1,000 grain weight (11%), dry matter (7.5%), stover (10.8%) and grain yield (6.8%), plant P concentration (10.1%) and uptake (18.6%), extractable P (3.1%), agronomic (48%) and uptake (53%) P use efficiency over uninoculated plots. Phosphorus application significantly improved maize yield, soil health and agronomic P use efficiency (4.84 times over control); however, its impact was more pronounced when applied as 50% P each from farmyard manure (FYM) and single super phosphate (SSP). On the basis of overall performance, the sources were ranked as 50% FYM + 50% SSP >50% rock phosphate (RP) + 50% SSP > 100% SSP > 75% FYM + 25% SSP > 75% RP +25% SSP > 100% FYM > 100 RP > control. Interactively, a significant and maximum increased over absolute control in most of the soil and plant tested characteristics were observed when 100 kg P2O5ha−1was supplemented 50% each as FYM and SSP along with PSB inoculation which was followed by 50% P each as FYM and SSP demonstrating that PSB were effective in enhancing RP solubilization under calcareous soil. Maximum value cost ratio of 3.1 was observed for 50% P each as FYM and SSP + PSB which was similar to 100% P as FYM + PSB and 75% FYM+ 25% SSP + PSB. Therefore, in calcareous soil P shall be amended 50% each as organic and mineral sources with PSB for its efficient utilization and obtaining optimum yield of maize.